Multiple key lock



March 14, 1933. i w. F. DIESEL 1,901,229

MULTIPLE KEY LOCK Filed May 18, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN VENTOR is ATTO EY March 14, 1933. w. F, DIESEL v1,991,229

MULTIPLE KEY LOCK Filed May 18, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 March 14, 1933. w F DlESEL 1,901,229

MULTIPLE KEY LOCK v Filed May 18, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 33 za i QE [NVENTOR WilmflqiafeZ I fwd isATl'OR Ys March 14, 1933. W."F. DIESEL MULTIPLE KEY LOCK Fiied May 18, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 g INVENTOR I gllzlairzfflesel R is Arm Y n Mn NN Patented Mar. 14, 1933 Units STATES PATENT, oFFICE- WILLIAM F. DIESEL, or noonnsrnn, NnwYoRK, nssrenon T snnenlv'r & GREENLEAF,

INQ, OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, CORPORATION OF NEW YORK MULTIPLE KEY LOCK The present invention relates to locks and has for its object to provide more particu-,

larly an improved change key lock of simple construction designed to afford a high degreeof protection and one-which is efiioient in service and comparatlvely lnexpensive to manufacture.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved lock arranged to be conditioned by a control key to permit of-the' use of any selected key of a given series of different individual keys provided for operating the lock.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved lock of the change key type having a series of tumblers with cooperating fence means for guarding the lockbolt, affording meohanismarranged to be conditioned by the use of a control key at a single operation for subsequent operations by a clifferent key, the mechanism being adjustable by the control key to condition it for the reception of and operation by any one of the different keys of a given series.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved locking mechanism for joint control by diiferent individuals having difierent keys without which the mechanism cannot be successfully operated to open the closure or compartment which it is designed to protect.

A further object of the invention is to combine improved separately controlled multiple key locking mechanisms in such a manner that one will form a lock for the other and in which arrangement an element of one mechanism normally constitutes a guard for limiting the turning movement of an operatfully described, the novel features being pointed out in the claims at the end ofthe specification.

In the drawings: Fig. 1 isa view partly in section showing one embodiment of the invention; 1

Fig. 2 s a fragmentary part sectional elevation showing the bolt of the lock disclosed in Fig. 1 in extreme release position to which it is moved by a single control key;

' Fig. 3 is a fragmentary view partly in section showing the tumbler and cooperating movable fence means employed for limiting the extent of retraction of the bolt under ordinary operating conditions;

Fig. 4 is a sectional elevation taken on line 4a4a of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a detailed perspective view of the locking bolt shown in Fig. 2;

' Fig. 6 is adetailed view of one of the washers employed between the different tumblers as shown in Fig. 4; I p Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but showing the partsunder the control of a special.

tumbler for preventing movement of the bolt I tolocking position by means other than the proper key.

Fi g. 8 is a fragmentary sectional elevation taken on line Sch-8a of Fig. 7 Fig. 9 is aperspective view of the key receiving barrel and operating arm thereon employed for moving the bolt to and fromlocking postion; j I

Figs. 10, 11 and 12 are perspective views showing thedifferent forms of tumblers used in the control of the lock i Figs. 13, 14 and 15 are also. views in perspective showingthe corresponding types, of

movable fence elements employed for cooper-' ation with said different'forms of tumblers in the control of the lock; 5 V

F igi .16 is a sectional view drawn to an enlarged scale and taken on line -160! of Fig. 20;

Fig. 17 is a'transversesection taken on line I 17a17a of'Fig. 16;

Fig. 18 is a view illustrating a setup or con- 9 trol key for conditioning the tumbler mechanism to permit any one of a given series of individual keys tobe employed for operating the tumblers;

Fig. 19 is a view illustrating two of the keys of the series corresponding to the conrate units.

trol key shown in Fig. 20.

Fig. 20 is a front elevation of the lock casing in which the combined locking mechanisms are. disposed;

Fig. 21 is an end elevation of the same;

Fig.22 is a part sectional elevation showing the relation of the fence and tumbler. mechanisms ofthe combined lockswith the bolts inv locking position and with the tumblers of the front lock shifted to the position required to line up the key hole slots therein to permit the setting up or change key to be inserted for shifting the adjustable sections of the tumblers, and i Fig. 23 is a somewhat similar view showing the tumblers and bolts controlled thereby moved to release position.

Similar reference numerals throughout the several views indicate the same parts.

The present invention contemplates the use of combined and separately controlled looking mechanisms arranged in such a manner as to require the unlocking and release of one mechanism before the other can be moved into locking position. It further contemplates the use of the mechanisms as a separate and independent lock which can be used as such where it is desired to make them'up in sepa- Both locking mechanisms are of the change or multiple key type and each embodies a series of tumblers under the control of different keys as hereinafterset forth.

10, 1922. The new locking mechanism is embodied in Figs. 1 to 19 inclusive and is also shown at the right of Figs. 22 and 23. The looks when combined in the manner shown afford a useful and highly advantageous combination under certain conditions of usage subsequently pointed out herein. The new lock is serviceable not only as a guard for various types of other locks, as for example, the one embodied in the above mentioned patent, but is also serviceable as an independent lock, affording a high degree of protectionagainst unauthorized operation whether it be used on doors, receptacle covers or other closures requiring locking means therefor.

The purpose of combining the locks in the manner shown is to eifect a greater safeguard against the unauthorized opening of receptacles or compartments and the like containing valuables of various kinds where it is desired to have more than one person assume responsibility for the control of the same, as is done for example in the case of safety deposit boxes for banks as well as in vending machines. v

A particular example of the advantage in combining the locking mechanisms as shown, is in the case of gasoline stations where distribution of the gasoline by an attendant may be effected after the purchaser has deposited in a given machine or com"- partment under the control of the present locking mechanism, the amount of money necessary to pay for the quantity of gasoline desired. In such cases the attendant will hold one of a series of operating keys which will operate only to release the bolt of the front look but which cannot be re leased'until the key for the rear lock has been inserted and turned to release the bolt thereof; The individual or series key for the rear lock will be held by a collector whose duty it is to collect from time to time the money fromthe machines at various stations, for which he carries a different key or keys from those held by the attendants, two of such keys being shown in Fig. 19 as a part-of one series. The controlkey 1A shown'in' Fig. 18 is held by an official or custodian of the company owning or controlling the stations, and is operated to condition the tumblers for resetting by any one of the individual keys of the series when inserted in the barrel of the lock with the parts in the position shown in Fig. 2' and turned to the position shown in Fig. 22. Thereafter no other individual key of the series will be enective to release .the lock until the control key 1A is employed to rotate the barrel to the position shown in Fig.

2, it beingunderstood that no individual key- The locking-mechanism illustrated at theleft of Figs. 22 and 23 is the same in principlev as that embodied in Patent No. 1,431,381 issued to Eugene R. lVeber and myself October;

will rotate the barrel to this position, but only to the position shown at the right of Fig. 23 which is sufiicientto effect release of the bolt. With the rear bolt thus released by a series key operated by the collector, the attendant at the gasoline station may then use the key in his possession to unlock the front bolt as indicated in Fig. 23, thus per mitting the money holding compartment (not shown) to be opened.

In case the collector should sever his connections with the company without notification of his intentions to leave and without turning in the serial key in his possession he could not subsequently make use of the key, either through oonnivance with the attendant or by in some manner obtaining possession of, the key for the front lock, for thereason that under such conditions the custodian holding the; control key will use the latter to reset the rear lock so that it cannot again be released by the collectors key. This would also be true if the attendant in-. stead of the collector left the service of the company with the idea of wrongfully using the key in his possession, since the front lock is also of the change keytype and under the above conditions this look would be reset by the custodian for operation by a different secondary key whereby to prevent fraud on the part of the attendant. manner of resetting the tumblers of the The front lock to condition them for use; byany during the adjustment of the tumblers for cooperation with a different operating key.

The guard tumbler is also arranged toprevent withdrawal of'the change key during.

adjustment ofthe' lock, these various features providing advantages explained more fully hereinafter and being embodied in. a simple form of construction requiring but a. single set of tumblers. Referring to the drawings:

The present embodiment of the invention comprises a support for the locking mechanism in the form of a casing 10 for housing the combined front and rear lockingunits when used; in tandem. A separate casing 10a is provided for the rear unit when it is desired to use the same as a sepa-i, rate and independent lock, this arrangementconstituting one of the chief'objects of the invention. front and rear cover plates 11 and 12re- The casing 10 is provided with,

spect'ively which are separately removable to permit access to either of said mechanisms without regard to the other.

The front lock as previously stated is substantially the same as that shown in the above mentioned'patent except that the primary tumbler has been omitted in. the present case, since it was previously provided to make it necessary to use two keys in the ordinary unlocking operations, the keysbeing held by different persons who were required to cooperate in releasing the bolt. In the present arrangement two keys for the front lock are not considered necessary under ordinary operations in view of the fact that a second key is required for operating the rear lock before'the front bolt can be released, thus niaking'it necessary for the attendant and collector to cooperate in effecting release of the bolt, being understood that such release may readily be effected by any two persons designated by one having control over the locks. V

A brief outline of the construction and operation of tie front lock is all that will be required in the present case since the above mentioned patent may be referred to for a more detailed description of the various parts 1 of the mechanism and their manner of operation. This mechanism is shown inpart at the;

left of Figs. 22 and 23 with the front bolt 13 in its extreme outer position. The bolt carries a fence 14 for movement into the gates '15 of a plurality of tumblers when the gates arealined as shown in Fig. 22'to permit the:

boltto be moved to release positionas shown in Fig. 23. Two types of tumblers are used,

one a guard tumbler indicated at 16' and preferably placed next to the bolt and the other each. comprising relatively adjustable normallycbnnected sections 17 and 18 pivoted'to swing as a unit on a spindle 19 fixed upon the casing. The sections are provlded with inter meshing teeth 20 by which they are coupled and made adjustable, the section 17 having'a sliding movement longitudinally of the sec tion, 18 and relative to the spindle 19 whereby the tumblers may be adjusted to corresoond to any one of a series of different operating. keys which in the above mentioned patent. are termed secondary keys, oneof whichis indicated at 21 in igs. 22 and 23. Upon release" of the upper section 17 of the tumblers by the change key (not shown) the lower or sweep sections 18 will move underthe influence of the springs 18a toengage the bits on the new secondary key inserted after the previous secondary key is. withdrawn. Each sliding tumbler section 17 has a keyhole 22 for the'reception' of the change key which is inserted through a'keyhole 23 in the back of the lock casing when the closure to which the lock is applied is in open position. The tumblers are of course first ad-' 'justed byxthe previously used secondary key 21 to bring theslots 22 into alinement with thekeyhole slot'23 and also into alinement with a key slot 24a in the bolt 13 which is alined with the slot 23 whenever the boltis in extended position as shownin Fig. 22. A key slot (not shown) is alsoprovided in the guard tumbler 16 which does not have adjustable sections, as in the case of the remaining tumblers, but which is actuated by the previously used secondary key to line up its slot with the remaining key slots at the time said key is operated to adjust the tumblers, this position of the parts being shown in Fig. 22.

The'bolt 13 is recessed at 25 to receive an arm 26 fixed on the barrel 24: which isrotated by turning the secondary key 21 in opposite directions to move the bolt to and from locking position through engagement of the free end. of the arm with the front and rear shoulders 2'? and 28 respectively on the boltat the bottom of the recess 25. The bolt 13 is guided in its back and forth movement by the front wall 29"of the casing and the end wall 30. and V is supported and guided at its rear end by an upstanding pin 31 on said front wall project ing within a slot 32formed in'the bolt. A

stop. lug 33 on the casing wall-29 is provided to limit. the movement of the bolt through engagement with the front and rear shoul ders Stand 35 0f the latter.v A stop 36 is pro vided in the path of the arm26 of the barrel to limit the turning movement of the latter to the position shown in Fig. whereby the key slot 37 of the barrel is brought into alinement with another slot. 38 in an upstanding cylindrical member 39' on the front cover-.11 to permit the key to be inserted.

WVith the parts in the position shown in Fig. 22 the change key is operated to slide all of the sections 17 so that the teeth thereof will disengage those of the sections .18. 'The key 21 is then turned in a counterclockwise direction to release position and withdrawn.

The new secondary key is then inserted and 'turned to the position occupied by the old key as indicated in Fig. 22, during which time the tumbler sections 18 become properly adjusted to the bits on the new key. The change key which still projects through the adjustable tumbler section 17 is then rotated to return the sections to normal p081:

required to bring the key slots into registry to permit insertion of the change key as hereinafter described.

a sweep surface 16a which is engaged by corresponding bits on all of the secondary keys whereby to raise and position said tumbler so that not only will the change key slot therein become alined with the remaining change key slots, but the gate thereof will also become alined with the fence on the bolt at the same time. From this arrangement it will be seen that the guard tumbler normally prevents the use of the change key or other instrument to line up the key slots and that one of the secondary keys mustfirst be employed to move the guard and other tumblers into position to permit of the insertion of the change key. 7 i

As stated above, the secondary key ordinarily employed to unlock the bolt must, when it is desired to adjust the tumblers for a different secondary key, be arrested in a predetermined position when turned in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 22, in order to line up all of the key slots to permit of the insertion and operation of the change key for the purpose stated. Movement of the parts to this position is effected, without shifting the bolt which at this time is in full extended position with the door or closure guarded by the lock in open position. The means provided in the present case for pre I venting the key 21 from rotating past the position shown in Fig. 22 is the locking bolt It will be understood 7 that the guard tumbler has at its bottom edge of the rear. or right hand locking mechanism, although any. other suitable means may be provided for this purpose and made adjustable to permit the front bolt to be released afterit has served as a means for limiting the rotation of the key :21. lVith the rear bolt 40 in looking position, the arm 26 of the front barrel will be arrested in the position shown in Fig. 22 by the abutment 28 on the front bolt, said bolt being held against release by the rear bolt so that the latter operates as ameans to insure proper alinement of the change key slots by limiting the turning movement of the secondary keys. Upon release'of the rear bolt the turning movement of the secondary key can be effected to shift the frontbolt to unlocked position as shown in Fig. 23. Thus, it will be seen that the rear bolt when in one position of adjustment not only constitutes means for normally preventing release ofthe front bolt but also means whereby rotation of the secondary key 21 will be limited to a position at which the key hole slots of all of thetumblers may be broughtinto registry with the slots in the bolt casing wall 29. This constitutes an important feature of the invention, since the rear. bolt is made to perform a double function as it is both a lock and a guard for limiting the turning movement of the secondary keys 21 under certain conditions of operation as explained above.

The rear lock shown both as a .guard for the front lock-and as a separate and independent lock in Fig. 1 embodies a new and novel arrangement of tumblers and movable V fence elements, the latter being carried by and movable with the bolt 40 for cooperation with a. fixed fence when the bolt is in locking position. The bolt 40 isarranged to ride on the front casing wall 29 and is guided thereon by a pairof pins 41 and 42 projecting into slots 43 and 44 respectively formed in the bolt. as best shown in Fig. 5. The bolt is provided with a recess 45 for the reception of an arm 46 on a key holding barrel 47 having a slot 48 forthe reception of one or more control keys 49, shown in Fig.18, or for any one of a number of different individual keys 50. of a given series, as shown in Fig. 19, the control key constituting a single conditioning key for. the tumbler mechanism to permit any one of the series of individual keys to be used for releasing the bolt as hereinafter described. The bolt atthe inner end of the recess 45 is provided with front and rear spaced shoulders 51 and 52 respectively which are engaged by the free end of the arm 46 to move the bolt to and from looking position when the barrel is rotated by any one of the keys. Front and rear stops 53 and 54 are provided on. the casing wall 29 for limiting the rotary movement of the barrel'whereby to bring the keyslot 48 therein into alinement with either of the slots 55 and 56 formed in the forwardly projecting cylinder 57 of the removable cover 12. It will be understood that the barrel 47 can only be rotated to bring the slot 48 into registry with slot 56 by the control key 49 but with the use of the individual he s 50 the barrel cannot be rotated in a clock direction anyfurther than is indicated Fig. 7 due to obstruction of the bolt by one of the tumblers as hereinafter described. i

Pivoted to swing on the pin 42 are three different forms of tumblers 58, 59 and 60, shown in Figs. 10, 11 and 12 respectively. There are preferably six similarly constructed tumblers 58 while only one of each of the remaining tumblers are provided. The tumbler is placed next to the bolt 40 and is shorter than the remaining tumblers, con stituting a guard for limiting the movement of the bolt to the position. shown in Fig. 7 under plained. The tumbler 59 is of a special type and is placed next to the tumbler 60 and pro.- vided for the purpose of preventing reverse rotation of the barrel 47 from'the position shown in 2 bythe use of a tool or any object other than a proper key for raising the tumbler to the position shown in Fig. 7 .vhe'eby to preven unauthorized movement of the bolt 40 from unlocked position, which would result in destroying the relationship of the tumblers so that they could not again be set up or properly adjusted either by the control key 49 or one of the individual keys The tumblers 58, 59 and 60 are each urged toward the key barrel by individual springs 61 of the type shown. I

The bolt 40 is provided with a pair. of pins and 63 projecting therefrom for receiving a series of movable fence elements, one being provided for cooperation with each of the tumblers. Six of the adjustable fence e'lements of the type shown at 64 in Fig. 13 are provided for cooperation with the tumblers A single fence element 65, Fig. 14, is provided for cooperation with the-tumbler 59 a difierent fence element 66, Fig. 15, is provided for cooperation with the tumbler 60. The fence elements 64 and 65 have elongated slots 67 for receiving the pins 62 and 63 on the bolt 40 to permit movement of saidfence elements relative to the bolt. The other fence element 66 is provided with openings 68 and 69 for receiving said pins. the opening 69 being of a diameter substantially equal to that of the pin 62 so that relative movement between the fence element 66 and bolt is prevented. T he elements 64 have laterally exng lingers 70 for movement into and out or the notches or ates 71 of the tumblers 58. Thefence element 65 has a finger 72 for movement into and out of the gate '73 of tumbler 59. The finger 72 is notched at 74 t' receii'c a. hook75 onthe tumbler 59 when he parts are the position shown in Fig. 2,

certain conditions as hereinafter exwhereby. as stated above the bolt 40 cannot be returned from the position shown inthis figure by attempting to rotate the barrel 47' in a counter-clockwise direction by means of any instrument other than an operating key which has a bit adapted to raise the tumbler 59 to the position shown in Fig. 7 at which the book 75 is moved. out of the notch74 whereby to permit release of the adjustable fence element 65 so that the bolt can be moved toward locking position. 1 b i The fenceelement v66 is provided with a finger-"76 which is adapted to be moved into the gate 7 7 of the short tumbler 60 only whenthe bolt 40 is shifted to the extreme position' shown in Fig. 2 by the useof a control key 49. In any extreme release position to'whichthe bolt canbe moved by any oneof the different individual keys 50 the tumbler-60 will occupya position at which t 1e gate 77 will be out of registry with the finger76, oneof which positions is shown in Figs. 3 and-7. fIt' will be understood that the. various positions to which the tumbler 60 can be moved by the individual l eys will depend-on the varying depths of the bits 50a of the different keys 50.

The bits 51a of the keys 50 are those which" operate the guard tumbler 59 while the remaining bitson these keys operate the tumblers58. j 1

The bit 490. .of the control key 49 is the one which adjusts the tumbler 60' to bring its gate77 into registry with the linger 7 6 of the fence 66, whereby'the control key can be roe tated to swing the arm 46 of'the barrel to the position shown inFig. 2, which is the extreme release position of thebolt. The bit48a of the control key 49 is adapted to adjust tumfence 7 9 being suitably held in position. by a f lug 80 on the casing wall 29 preferably as shown in Fig. 16.

The fence element 66 does not move relative to thebolt so that the. single slot;,81

therein is always in alinement with the fixed fence 79 and is adapted to receive the latter whenever the bolt is in locking position. There is, therefore, only oneposition of the tumbler 60 in which its gate 77 will become alined with the finger 76 and this is the positionto which the barrel and tumbler are moved by thecontrol key 49 when the'bolt is moved by'said key to the extreme position shown in 2. The barrel must bemoved to this position to bring the key slots 48 and 56 into registry in order to be able to insert a different series keywhen it is desired to set up the tumblers for such a key so that the previous series key will not operate to release the bolt. When the barrel has been adjusted to the position shown in Fig. 2 and one of the keys 50'of the series inserted, the latter is turned in a counterclockwise direction to rotate the barrel to the position shown in Fig. 20. During this rotating movement the tumblers will be automatically ur ed by their respective springs to engage the bits on the particular key chosen and thereafter no other series key can be used until thecontrol key is again employed to move the bolt and barrel to theposition shown in Fig. 2. It will be understood that while a series key will rotate the barrel far enough to effect release of the bolt, as indicated in Fig. 7, it will not rotate it to the position-shown in Fig. 2, since it will not adjust the short tumbler to bring its gate 77 intoregistry with the finger 76 of the fence 66 non-shiftable on the bolt 40. It will be seen therefore that the tumwbler 60' will always block movement of the bolt 40 beyondthe release position shown in Figs. 3 and 7 unless a control key is employed to line up the gate 7 7-with the finger 76.

The adjustable fence elements 64: and 65 are varied in their position upon the bolt by the tumblers when the latter are set up by a new series key so that for each different key of the series employed, the adjustable fence elements 64 and 65 will occupy relatively dilferent positions with different slots therein brought into registry to receive the fixed fence 79 when the bolt is moved to locking position. The fence elements 64 and 65, six of the former and one of the latter in the present arrangement, are prevented when the bolt is released, from shifting under the action of gravity by the individual tumblers cooperating therewith. In other words, when the key is turned in a counter-clockwise direction from the position shown in Fig. 7 to move the bolt toward locking position, the fixed fence 79 will enter the alined slots 78 of the adjustable fence elements just before the fingers and 72 on the latter pass out of the slots 71 and 73 of said tumblers. During such movement the lower edge portions of the fingers. will be riding upon the portions 58a of the tumblers. During movement of the bolt toward locking positionthe fence e ements 6 land 65 will be held in such relationship by the tumblers as to maintain in perfect alinement certain slots ofsaid fence elements with the slot 81 of the fence 66 until the fixed fence 79 has entered said alined slots. During such movement the tumblers will not be shifted either up or down onthe pivot pin 42 for the reason that the curved portions 82 of the tumblers are so shaped that the key bits engaging the same during rotation of the barrel from the position shown in Fig. 23 to that shown in Fig. 22 will not shift the tumblers relative to the bolt. However, after the fixed fence is received in the alined slots of the movable fence elements, the bolts on the key begin to pass from the curved portions 82 thus permitting the tumblers to move down under the action of the springs until they engage the barrel with the parts in the position shown in Fig. 22. If the series key is again moved in a clockwise direction, it will raise the tumblers 58 and 59 to line up the gates therein before the arm 46 begins to retract the bolt to cause the fingers 70 and 72 to enter said gates. The position at which the arm on the barrel begins to retract the bolt is indicated by dotted lines in 22.' lVith the tumblers set up to correspond to any particular series key, the relationship of the adjustable fence elements will not change under the operation of said key for the reasons just stated. However, if any one of a number of different control keys is used to rotate the barrel 47 and A the arm thereon to the right of the position shown in Fig. 7, the tumblers will drop to the position shown in Fig. 2 and the relationship of the adjustable fence elements 64 and 65 will change and will correspond to the positions of the particular tumblers with whichthey are associated. The tumblers are again brought to a definite fixed relation by inserting one of the series keys and turning it from the position shown in Fig. 2 back to that shown in Fig. 20. v

While only one control key 49 is shown, it will be understood that as many different control keys may be provided as desired. For

each different control key there will be a different set'of series keys two of one series corresponding to the control key 49, being shown as a part of a series in Fig. 19. The 'con trol keys are preferably marked 1A, 2A, 3A, etc. and the several sets of series keys can be differently marked in any desired manner so that it will be easy to determine what control keys they correspond to. When the tumblers are set upto one control key, they cannot be operated by another until the barrel is ing to said control key.

In order to facilitate smoothness of operation of the tumblers and the fence elements,

washers 83 of the type shown in Fig. 6 are interposed between said parts, as shown in Figs. 16 and 17, the washers being held in proper position by the pins 62 and 63 on the bolt which project through openings 84 in the washers.

A stop pin 85 is carried by the bolt 40 for limiting the upward swinging movement of the tumblers to prevent them from being shifted above the fingers on-the movable fence elements by the use of a bent wire orother instrument in the hands of any one attempt ing to effect release of the bolt by this method.

The covers 11 and 12 are removably secured upon the casing preferably by a suitable number of screws as shown in Fig. 20. The casing is adapted to be rigidly secured to the'inner face of the door or closure to be protected by the lock preferably by bolts or screws not shown disposed in openings a formed in the corner posts 86 of'the' casing, as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and20'. V

In the separate and independent lock, shown in Fig. 1, the tumblers, the fixed and adjustable fence elements, the key barrel and mechanisms illustrated in Figs. 22 and 23,

the person holding the particular individual or series key entrusted to him for the purpose of releasing the bolt of the rear lock is required to insert and rotate the key to the position shown. in Fig. 23 before the holder of a. secondary key for the front lock can release the bolt of the latter. It will be seen. therefore, that it requires the cooperation of the two persons to whom the keys are assigned to obtain; access to the container or compartment protected by the locking mechanism described. It will be further understood that the change key. not shown,which is to be held by a custodian having control over the various locks can be used to shift the tumbler sections 17 of the front lock to permit the spring actuated sections 18 to automatically accommodate themselves to a different secondary key of a given series inserted in the barrel 24 and turned to the position shown in Fig. 22.

. The custodian will hold the control key for the rear lock and also the series keys therefor which are not in use and when for any reason it is desired to recondition the lock for a different series key. this canbe done by inserting the control key in the key barrel and turning; the latter to the extreme position shown in Fig. 2. The control key is then withdrawn and a new series key inserted to which the tumblers automatically accommodate themselves when the key is turned. in a counter clockwise direction to the position shown in Fig. 22. It will be understood that the custodian will retain the control key or keys for the rear lock and all of the series keys not in use of the different series which may be provided. 4 change key or keys for the front lock and all secondary keys for said locks which are. not in service. The custodian can therefore recondition any front or rear lock or anynum- He will also retain the,

her of the same it maybe deemedadvisable" to change whereby to prevent said locksfrom being operated hyany outstanding keys. previously distributed for the control of the locks. i

I claim as my invention:

' 1. A lock comprising a support, a bolt movable thereon, a rotary key receiving element for moving the bolt. and means including relatively adjustable parts for con-' trolling the bolt arranged to be conditioned by the use at one operation of a control key operating in said element whereby to render said parts responsive to subsequent operations by adilferent key inserted in said element for adjusting thepairts to free the bolt. 2. A lock comprising a support, a. bolt movable thereon, a bolt actuating member upon the support having a keyway therein and means including a part for operating'the bolt and relatively adjustable parts for guardingthe bolt arrangedto have a dif ferent setting for each of a plurality of diferent operating keys insertable in said keyway to shift said operating and adjustable parts, said parts arranged'to be conditioned at one operation by a' single keyin said keyway for individual control by any of said plurality of operating keys and requiring the use of the single key only when conditioning the parts for-a change from one opcrating key to another.

3. A lock comprising a support, a bolt movable thereon, an adjustable bolt actuating member having a key way therein, and means including a fixed part and relatively adjust: able parts for cooperation with the fixed part, said member being arranged for adjustment to a predetermined position bythe use of a control key operable in said keyway to condition said parts for controlby any one of a series of different keys for operation in the keyway at different times, the keys of the series being ineffective as a means to move the parts to said predetermined position but individually release of the bolt;

i. A look comprising a support, a bolt operable to condition the parts for i thereon .fan adjustable key receiving element arrangedto be moved by a control key from a I normal to a predetermined position for the reception of any of a plurality of different operating keys of a given series, each of which mal position whereby the operating key may be subsequently used to efiect release .ofthe bolt.

5. lock comprising a'support,aboltmovable thereon, adjustable tumbler means for guarding the bolt, and a keyreceivin'g element movable from a normal to apredeter-' mined. position by a control key for therethereon, an adjustable key receiving element operatively associated with the bolt and arranged to be moved by a control key from a normal to a predetermined position, said element. when moved to said predetermined positionbemg conditioned to receive an operating'key different from the control key and movable to return said element to normal position and means'for controlling the bolt including guard elements responsive to thecontrol key whereby to effect release of the bolt for extreme movement in one direction, one of'said guard elements having a limited movement under the control of the operating key whereby the bolt is checked in its movement after release and before reaching said extreme position.

3 7. A look comprising a support, a bolt movable thereon, an adjustable key receiving element for operating the bolt arranged for movement from a-normal to a predetermined position and means including a plurality of tumblers for controlling the bolt, one comprising a guard tumbler arranged to limit the movement of said element to an intermediateposition between said normal and predetermined positions under the action of a selected key operating in the element, said element beingoperable from said normal to said predetermined position by a different key therein serving to release the guard tumbler while moving the key receiving element to said predetermined position.

8. A lock comprising a support, a bolt movable thereon, an adjustable key operating mechanism for controlling the bolt including a rotary key receiving element and cooperating parts serving to limit rotation of the element to a predetermined point in moving the bolt to release position under the control of different operating keys, said element bearranged to receive a control key operable therein to shift said cooperating parts whereby to condition the mechanism for control by either of said different operating keys.

9. A lock comprising a support, a bolt movable thereon, an adjustable key controlled ele ment for operating thebolt having a slot for receiving a control key and arranged also to receive a different key for operating said elenient to operate the bolt, adjustable tumbler elements, cooperating fixed and movable fence elements, the latter being under the control of the tumbler elements,said control key being arranged at one operation to condition said tumbler elements for subsequent operations by said different key operating in said key receiving slot to eflect release of the bolt.

10. A lock comprising a support, a bolt movable thereon, fence means fixed upon the support, a plurality of adjustable fence elements relatively movable upon the bolt for cooperation withrsaid fixed fence means when the bolt is in looking position, tumblerelements normally cooperating with said adjustable fence elements to hold the bolt against release and having gates therein for receiving parts of said fence elements upon release of the bolt, and a rotary operating element for the bolt having a key slot for receiving arcontrol key and also a different key and arranged when moved from normal to a predetermined position by the control key to release the bolt and to receive said different key, the latter being effective to return the bolt to locking position and-to subsequently release the bolt.

11. A look comprising a support, a bolt movable thereon, fence means on the support, a plurality of fence elements adjustable upon the bolt for support in relatively different positions by said fence means when the bolt is inlocking position, tumbler elements normally guarding said fence elements and having parts for maintainingthe fence elements in predetermined relationships during their return to engagement with said fence means,

an adjustable key responsive element having a key receiving slot, said element being operatively associated with the bolt, said key receiving element being adjustable by a control key'insertable within the slot for -moving said element to a position at which it is adapted'to receive within the slot different operating keys by each of which the tumblers are automatically set when either of the operating keys is moved to return said receiving element to normal position.

12. A look comprising a support, a bolt mounted for movement thereon, a plurality of tumblers, fence means on the support, a plurality of fence elements movable with and adjustable upon the bolt by the tumblers for support by the fence means in relatively different positions corresponding to different positions of the tumblers when the fence elements are returned to engagement withsaid fence means, a rotary element operativ'ely associated with the bolt arranged to receive a control key for moving said element and bolt to a predetermined position at which the boltis released and from which position said key may be withdrawn, one of said tumblers and its corresponding fence element having interlocking engagement when the parts are in said predetermined position whereby'to prevent the use ofan instrument other than a proper key to return the key receiving element to normal position when said control key has been withdrawn, said key receiving element being returnable by any of a series of different operating keys to which the tumblers are automatically" set during such return movement.

13. A look comprising a support, a bolt mounted for movement thereon, a fence fixed on the support, a plurality of fence elements mounted upon the bolt each of which is provided with one or more slots for receiving said fencewhen the bolt is in looking position, one of said elements being fixed on the bolt and the remaining elements being ad justable thereon, a tumbler for each of said adjustable fence elements and an adjustable element for operating the bolt arranged to receive a key for actuating the tumblers.

14. In combination, a multiple key lock having a bolt and control parts for releasing the bolt arranged to be conditioned by a change key for control by different operating keys when said parts are brought to a prede-- termined position in advance of movement of the bolt to release position, and key con trolled means normally serving to hold said parts in check at said predetermined position and adjustable to release the parts for movement to unlocking position.

15. In a locking device, the combination of separately controlled key responsive mechanisms, one of which includes a bolt and the other having guard means normally holding the bolt against release but responsive to a selected key for movement thereby to release os ition, the locking mechanism having the bolt including control parts therefor arranged to be brought to a predetermined position by a partial movement of an operating key for the reception of a change key operable to render the parts responsive to a different operating key, guard mechanism normally serving as means for arresting movement of said control parts in said position and for indicating when said partial movement of the operating key is completed, use of the operating key when the guard means is re-v leased resulting in failure to indicate when the control parts are in said predetermined position.

16. A look comprising a support, a bolt movable thereon, adjustable key responsive devices for controlling the .bolt, and a rotary bolt operating element arranged to be moved by a control key for adjusting said devices to a predetermined position atrwhich to rement from said predetermined position will condition said devices for subsequent control by it to effect operation of the bolt, and a part operating to hold said rotary element against return to said tion by said second key.

predetermined posi- 18. A. look comprising a support, a bolt movable thereon, key responsive devices for controlling the bolt, a bolt actuating element arranged when the bolt is in locking position to receive a control key for moving said element to a predetermined position to release the bolt said element being arranged at said position to receivea different key, the latter being operable to shift said actuating element to return the bolt to locking position, said 'last mentioned key being subsequently operable to condition certain of said devices whereby to permit operation of said element by said different key to release the bolt and means operating to check the movement of 7 said element in advance of its return to said predetermined position when operated by the last mentioned key to release the bolt.

19. A look comprising a support, a bolt movable thereon, a rotary key responsive bolt actuating element movable to a predetermined position to unlock the bolt, a plurality of tumblers associated with the bolt having corresponding fence elements, certain of the tumblers being movable to release position with respect to their corresponding fence elements by a series key operable to move the vrotary element to said predetermined position and all of the tumblers being movable to release position with respect to their corresponding fence elements by a control key operable to movethe rotary element to a difierent position in. advance of said predetermined position, the rotary element being adapted when at said different position to receive a second series key different from the first mentioned series key, the second series key being operable to return the rotary element to normal position and subsequently operable to move it to said predetermined unlocking position.

WILLIAM F. DIESEL. 

